While there are similarities between the two, these oils are not completely interchangeable.

Understanding the important distinctions can help you make an informed choice when frying or baking.

What Is Vegetable Oil?

A person chooses a cooking oil in a grocery store

Hleb Usovich / Getty Images

Vegetable oil comprises mainlypolyunsaturated fats(PUFAs), including omega-6 fats.

However, the research on this claim is inconclusive.

What Is Canola Oil?

Canola oilis made from the seeds of the rapeseed plant.

It contains PUFAs and more monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) than vegetable oil.

MUFAs are thought to help build healthy cells and promote proper brain and nerve function.

Canola vs.

Vegetable Oil Nutrition

Below is a nutrition comparison of one tablespoon of canola to one tablespoon of vegetable oil.

What Are the Health Differences in Vegetable vs. Canola Oil?

Both vegetable and canola oil contain minor amounts of saturated fat compared to othercooking oils.

Mono and polyunsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and primarily come from plant-based sources.

Should You Use Vegetable or Canola Oil When Cooking?

Polyunsaturated fats oxidize, or break down, more quickly than monosaturated fats when subjected to high heat.

This oxidization can lead to the production of compounds that are harmful to your body.

Can Vegetable and Canola Oil Be Used Interchangeably?

In addition, both oils have plant-based origins, making them suitable for vegetarian orvegan diets.

The flavor of vegetable oil can vary slightly depending on its specific oil blend.

Most commercially available types are predominately made of soybean oil, making the flavor mild and nearly tasteless.

While vegetable and canola oil taste very similar, there are subtle differences.

Once you open it, the oil will stay fresh in your pantry for three to five months.

you’re able to refrigerate it for up to three months.

Some experts theorize that canola oil is slightly healthier due to its monosaturated fat content compared to vegetable oil.

Both oils have widespread cooking applications and can be used when baking, frying, or sauteing.

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